lacerations

Lacerations are tears/ skin 'splits' caused by blunt force trauma.

They are to be distinguished from cuts caused by sharp force trauma – incised wounds - including stab wounds. Wounds caused by heavy-bladed implements, such as machetes and meat cleavers produce wounds that have components of both blunt force and sharp force trauma – so-called ‘chopping’ injuries.

Lacerations are caused when a blunt object or surface impacts against the skin resulting in compression, crushing and splitting, or where a shearing force tears the skin and subcutaneous tissues.